Method of wirelessly powering and controlling a dimmable device

ABSTRACT

A window apparatus of a vehicle includes a removable panel that selectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle that includes an electro-optic apparatus. The electro-optic apparatus is configured to adjust a transmittance of the window. A wireless connection interface is in connection with an interface surface of the removable panel, wherein the wireless connection interface communicates power and/or electrical signals from the vehicle to the electro-optic apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) and thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/151,238 entitled METHODOF WIRELESSLY POWERING AND CONTROLLING A DIMMABLE DEVICE, filed on Feb.19, 2021, by Brennan et al., the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an electrical connectioninterface for a vehicle and, more particularly, relates to a connectioninterface for selectively coupling a removable panel comprising anelectro-optic device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a window apparatus of a vehicle isdisclosed. The apparatus includes a removable panel that selectivelyencloses an exterior opening of the vehicle. An electro-optic apparatusis formed within the removable panel. The electro-optic apparatus isconfigured to adjust a transmittance of the window. A wirelessconnection interface is in connection with an interface surface of theremovable panel, wherein the wireless connection interface communicatespower or electrical signals from the vehicle to the electro-opticapparatus.

A method for controlling a dimmable window element for a vehicle isdisclosed. The method includes installing a removable panel inconnection with and enclosing an exterior opening of the vehicle. Afirst module of a connection interface disposed on the removable panelis positioned in alignment with a second module of the connectioninterface disposed proximate to a header portion of the vehicle based onthe installation. At least one of a control signal and a power for thedimmable window are communicated via the connection interface.

A window apparatus of a vehicle includes a removable panel thatselectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle. A windowcomprising an electro-optic apparatus is formed within the removablepanel. The electro-optic apparatus is configured to adjust atransmittance of the window. A wireless connection interface includes afirst connection module in connection with an interface surface of theremovable panel and a second connection module in connection with thevehicle proximate to a header configured to receive the removable panel.The connection interface is disposed in a cavity between the removablepanel and a header of the vehicle in an assembled configuration.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present devicewill be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the artupon studying the following specification, claims, and appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the followingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a projected view of a vehicle comprising a detachable roofpanel demonstrated in a connected configuration;

FIG. 1B is a projected view of a vehicle comprising a detachable roofpanel demonstrated in a removed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a partial exploded assembly view of the removable roof paneland an opening formed between a front and rear header of the vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of an electro-optic element ofa window panel;

FIG. 4 is a fore-aft cross-sectional view demonstrating a modular roofassembly comprising a wireless connection interface;

FIG. 5 is a partial view of a header of a vehicle demonstrating a firstmodule of a wireless connection interface;

FIG. 6 is a partial section view of a frame of a roof panel of a modularroof assembly comprising a second coupling module of a wirelessconnection interface;

FIG. 7 is a fore-aft cross-sectional view of the first and secondcoupling modules of the wireless connection interface;

FIG. 8 is a partial assembly view demonstrating a roof of a passengercompartment comprising a wireless connection interface;

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the wireless connection interfaceintroduced in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a fore-aft cross-sectional view of the wireless connectioninterface demonstrating first and second coupling modules as introducedin FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the first and second coupling modules ofthe wireless connection interface previously discussed in FIGS. 8-10;

FIG. 12 is a detailed assembly view of a connection interfaceincorporated in a compression lever of a modular roof assembly;

FIG. 13 is a fore-aft cross-sectional view of the wireless connectioninterface incorporated in the compression lever as introduced in FIG.12;

FIG. 14A is a block diagram of an exemplary transmission circuit of awireless connection interface; and

FIG. 14B is a block diagram of a receiver circuit of a wirelessconnection interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . .” does not, withoutmore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, a removable body panel or roof panel10 is shown in an installed configuration (FIG. 1A) and a removedconfiguration (FIGS. 1B and 2) in relation to a vehicle 12. As depictedin the exemplary illustrations, the roof panel 10 embodies a removabletop designed to be installed into an opening 14 of the vehicle 12. Theopening 14 is formed between a front header 16 a adjacent a windshield18 and a rear header 16 b. The roof panel 10 forms a portion of amodular roof assembly 20 and includes a variable transmitting panel orwindow panel 22 that varies in transmittance to adjust the lightentering a passenger compartment 24 of the vehicle 12. In order tomaintain control of the operation of the variable transmittance of thewindow panel 22, a connection interface 30 communicatively connects orwirelessly couples a first terminal 32 a in connection with the vehicle12 to a second terminal 32 b in connection with the roof panel 10. Invarious implementations, the disclosure provides for the connectioninterface 30 to electrically couple an electro-optic element 40 of theroof panel 10 to the vehicle electrical system or a controllerconfigured to control the transmittance of the window panel 22. In thisway, the disclosure provides for a consistent and robust electricalinterface allowing the window control module 42 to adjust thetransmittance of the window panel 22 by controlling the transmittance ofthe electro-optic element 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, the roof panel 10 of the modular roof assembly 20 islocated on the front header 16 a and the rear header 16 b via aplurality of locating features 50. The locating features may include oneor more compression levers 50 a, latches 50 b, locating pins 50 c, andvarious features configured to align the roof panel 10 within theopening 14 and secure the roof panel 10 to the headers 16 a, 16 b of thevehicle 12. The locating features may be mechanically attached to aframe 52, which may extend around a perimeter 53 of the roof panel 10.As shown, the locating features 50 are mounted to the frame 52 incomplementary locations corresponding to the positions of the roof panel10 aligned within the opening 14 formed by the headers 16 a, 16 b. Inthis configuration, the window panel 22 comprising the electro-opticelement 40 is structurally supported by the frame 52 and mounted to thebody of the vehicle 12.

In the illustrated example, the compression lever 50 a comprises a leverarm 54 configured to compressively latch the roof panel 10 to the rearheader 16 b and includes a plurality of the interlocking latches 50 bpositioned in corner portions of the roof panel 10 aligned withcorresponding interlocking latches 50 b connected to the front header 16a. The mating components of the latches 50 b may include complementaryfeatures (e.g. draw bars, hooks, etc.) for mechanical connection.Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the locating pins 50 cmay serve to align the roof panel 10, such that the compression lever 50a and latches 50 b are positioned to secure the roof panel 10 to thevehicle in response to a rotation 58 of the lever arm 54. Accordingly,the roof assembly 20 may easily be connected and disconnected from thevehicle 12.

Various components or assemblies of the connection interface 30 may beincorporated in or advantageously utilize the mating interaction orpositioning of the locating features 50 to align and/or wirelesslycouple the terminals 32 a and 32 b of the connection interface 30. Forexample, in some implementations, the connection interface 30 may beincorporated in a portion of one or more of the locating features 50 andprovide an electrical coupling between the window control module 42 andthe vehicle electrical system based on an alignment or connectionattributed to the locking of the locating feature 50. In this way, theconnection interface 30 may provide for an electrical coupling betweenthe window control module 42 incorporated in the roof panel 10 and thevehicle electrical system disposed in the vehicle 12 via the structuralconnection between the roof panel 10 and the vehicle 12 withoutrequiring additional connections and minimizing steps for installation.

In various implementations, the window control module 42 may beincorporated in the roof panel 10 or may be incorporated in the vehicle12 (e.g., in a center console, center stack, panel console, etc.). Asdepicted in FIG. 2, in cases where the window control module 42 isincorporated in the roof panel 10, a user interface 60 may further beincluded in the roof panel 10. For example, an interface panel 62comprising a plurality of user inputs 64 may be incorporated orinstalled in an opening formed in the frame 52 of the roof panel 10. Theuser inputs may include controls configured to communicate instructionsto the window control module 42 to activate and/or control thetransmittance of the electro-optic element 40 of the window panel 22.Accordingly, the disclosure provides for the connection interface tocommunicate power to supply the window control module 42 in someimplementations and may also communicate control instructions to controldrive circuitry for the electro-optic element 40.

Referring to FIG. 3, a simplified, schematic diagram of theelectro-optic element 40 of the window panel 22 is shown. In order toprovide for control of the electro-optic element 40 from within thevehicle 12, the connection interface 30 communicatively connects thevehicle electrical system to the window control module 42. In thisconfiguration, the window control module 42 may be operable to control avoltage, or electrical signal, supplied to each of the electro-opticelement 40 or multiple electro-optic elements, which may form dimmingzones of the window panel 22. By controlling signals or voltagessupplied to the connection interface 30, the window control module 42may control a variable transmittance through an electro-optic medium 62of the electro-optic element 40.

As demonstrated in FIG. 3, a detailed cross-section 70 of the windowpanel 22 is shown demonstrating a stacked structure of an exemplaryconfiguration. The window panel 22 may include a first substrate 74oriented to a second substrate 78 in a spaced-apart configuration. Theelectro-optic medium 62 (e.g., electrochromic material) may be enclosedbetween the first substrate 74 and the second substrate 78. A firsttransparent electrode 82 may be disposed between the first substrate 74and the electro-optic medium 62, and a second transparent electrode 86may be disposed between the second substrate 78 and the electro-opticmedium 62.

The electro-optic element 40 and the first and second substrates 74, 78may be formed of various materials. For example, the first and secondsubstrates 74, 78 may include plastic materials. Plastic materials forthe first and second substrates 74, 78 may include, but are not limitedto, a clear polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide,acrylic, cyclic olefin, polyethylene (PEN), metallocene polyethylene(mPE), silicone, urethane, and various polymeric materials. The firstand second substrates 74, 78 may also be of various forms of glass,including, but not limited to, soda lime float glass, borosilicateglass, boro-aluminosilicate glass, or various other compositions. Whenusing glass substrates, the first and second substrates 74, 78 can beannealed, heat strengthened, chemically strengthened, partiallytempered, or fully tempered. The electro-optic element 40 forming thewindow panel 22 may be supported by the frame, which may correspond to apartial or full frame that may be used to support the window panel 22 asdesired.

The first and second substrates 74, 78, as well as one or moreprotective layers, may be adhered together by one or more cross-linkedmaterials. For example, the cross-linked material may correspond to atleast one of the following materials: polyvinyl butyral (PVB),ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoset EVA ethylene-vinyl acetate(EVA), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The specific materials aredescribed in the disclosure and may correspond to exemplary materialsthat may be employed as heavily cross-linked materials to adhere to oneor more of the first and second substrates 74, 78 and/or additionalprotective layers or coating. Accordingly, the specific examplesdescribed herein are to be considered non-limiting examples.

According to various aspects, the electro-optic element 40 may includememory chemistry configured to retain a state of transmittance when thevehicle 12 and the window control module 42 are inactive (e.g., notactively supplied energy from a power supply of the vehicle 12). Thatis, the electro-optic element 40 may be implemented as an electrochromicdevice having a persistent color memory configured to provide a currentduring clearing for a substantial time period after being charged. Anexample of such a device is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,964,828entitled “ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES,” the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The electro-optic element 40 may correspond to an electrochromic devicebeing configured to vary the transmittance of the window panel 22discussed herein in response to an applied voltage from the windowcontrol module 42. Examples of control circuits and related devices thatmay be configured to provide for electrodes and hardware configured tocontrol the electro-optic element 40 are generally described in commonlyassigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,547,624 entitled “VARIABLE TRANSMISSION WINDOWSYSTEM,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,407,847 entitled “ELECTROCHROMIC MEDIUM HAVINGA COLOR STABILITY,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,898 entitled “ELECTROCHROMICSTRUCTURES,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,597,489 entitled “ELECTRODE DESIGN FORELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES,” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,330 entitled“ELECTRO-OPTIC WINDOW INCORPORATING A DISCRETE PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE,” theentire disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein byreference. Examples of electrochromic devices that may be used inwindows are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,914 entitled“COLOR-STABILIZED ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,620entitled “ELECTROCHROMIC MEDIA WITH CONCENTRATION-ENHANCED STABILITY,PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF AND USE IN ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES,”U.S. Pat. No. 5,940,201 entitled “ELECTROCHROMIC MIRROR WITH TWO THINGLASS ELEMENTS AND A GELLED ELECTROCHROMIC MEDIUM,” and U.S. Pat. No.7,372,611 entitled “VEHICULAR REARVIEW MIRROR ELEMENTS AND ASSEMBLIESINCORPORATING THESE ELEMENTS,” the entire disclosures of each of whichare incorporated herein by reference. Other examples of variabletransmission windows and systems for controlling them are disclosed incommonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,085,609, entitled “VARIABLETRANSMISSION WINDOW CONSTRUCTIONS,” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,567,708 entitled“SYSTEM TO INTERCONNECT, LINK, AND CONTROL VARIABLE TRANSMISSION WINDOWSAND VARIABLE TRANSMISSION WINDOW CONSTRUCTIONS,” each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments,the electro-optic device may include a suspended particle device, liquidcrystal, or other system that changes transmittance with the applicationof an electrical property.

Referring to FIGS. 4-14, various components and assemblies of theconnection interface 30 are demonstrated illustrating the connectioninterface 30 implemented via a wireless electrical coupling orconnection. Such a wireless electrical coupling may be achieved viaproximate induction coils, capacitive plates, energy harvesting (e.g.,capturing ambient vibrations of the vehicle 12, wind, heat, etc.), orvarious other methods of achieving electrical coupling betweenneighboring modules wirelessly. Accordingly, the connection interface 30may be referred to as a wireless connection interface 30. In general,the wireless electrical coupling discussed in reference to the exemplaryimplementations is achieved by communicating electrical signals andpower between adjacent coupling modules, generally referred to herein asa first coupling module 92 and a second coupling module 94. The firstcoupling module 92 may be in connection with a portion of the vehicle12, for example, one of the front header 16 a or the rear header 16 b.The second coupling module 94 may be connected to a portion of the roofpanel 10, for example a portion of the frame 52. Accordingly, theproximity of the first and second coupling modules 92, 94 may bepositioned and maintained based on the alignment and secure mounting ofthe roof panel 10 when installed and enclosing the opening 14 of thevehicle 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, the wireless connection interface 30includes the first coupling module 92 secured to one of the headers 16 aor 16 b and the second coupling module 94 connected to a correspondingportion of the frame 52. The first coupling module 92 is mechanicallyconnected to the header 16 a or 16 b via one or more fasteners 96. Thesecond coupling module 94 is similarly affixed to the frame 52 of theroof panel 10 via the fasteners 96 and extends at least partiallythrough a cutout or aperture 100 formed in the frame 52. As depicted inFIG. 4, the aperture 100 provides clearance for a coupling surface 102of the second coupling module to extend from a first side 104 of theframe directed outward of the vehicle to a second side 106 directedinward toward the passenger compartment 24 of the vehicle 12. In thisconfiguration, the coupling surface 102 of the second coupling module 94is positioned proximate to a corresponding coupling surface 102 of thefirst coupling module 92. As depicted in FIG. 4, the coupling surfaces102 of each of the coupling modules 92, 94 are aligned and positioned inclose proximity in response to the installation of the roof panel 10enclosing the opening 14 of the vehicle 12. As depicted, the firstcoupling module 92 is positioned within a gap 108 formed between theheader 16 a, 16 b and the frame 52. In this configuration, the alignedpositions of the first coupling module 92 and the second coupling module94 provide for alignment of the wireless electrical coupling of theconnection interface 30, such that control signals and/or powercommunicated from the control module 42 may be wirelessly transmitted tothe electro-optic element 40 to control the transmittance of the windowpanel 22.

As discussed, the proximity or distance necessary to effectively sustainelectrical communication between the first and second coupling modules92, 94 may vary based on the technology implemented. In someimplementations, the coupling modules may comprise complementaryinductive coils (e.g., a transmitter coil and a receiver coil). Ingeneral, a transmitter coil (e.g., module 92) may receive an alternatingcurrent that generates an electromagnetic field proximate to the coil.When the receiver coil (e.g., 94) is aligned and positioned in proximitywith the transmitter coil, the electromagnetic field communicates theelectrical energy to the receiver coil, such that operating power may becommunicated wirelessly between the coupling modules 92, 94 withoutrequiring a physical conductive connection. Though inductive charging isdescribed in more detail, other forms of wireless charging andcommunication including, but not limited to, capacitive and resonantwireless charging may similarly be implemented. The range or distancebetween the coupling modules 92, 94 is generally referred to as thecoupling modules being proximate to or within close proximity of eachother. Such a distance may range from approximately 0.1 mm to 40 mm andmay be approximately 1 mm to 25 mm. Accordingly, the correspondingalignment features (e.g., magnets) and arrangement of the couplingmodules 92, 94 may provide for the relative position of the couplingmodules 92, 94 within a range of distances from approximately 0.1 mm to40 mm in the assembled configuration, as depicted in FIG. 1A.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, an implementation of the connectioninterface 30 is shown providing the second coupling module 94 in atethered accessory 120 flexibly connected to the roof panel 10. Byincorporating the second coupling module 94 in the tethered accessory120, the wireless electrical coupling between the first coupling module92 and the second coupling module 94 may be adjusted independent of theexact alignment of the roof panel 10 and corresponding attachment to thevehicle 12. The tethered accessory 120 is electrically connected to theelectro-optic element 40 in the window panel 22 via a flexible harness122. Accordingly, to insure alignment between the coupling modules 92and 94, the tethered accessory 120 may be moved or adjusted withoutadjusting the connection of the roof panel 10.

As depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first and second coupling modules 92and 94 include a plurality of alignment magnets 124, which align thecoupling modules 92, 94 and secure the tethered accessory 120 to aninterior roof portion 126 or headliner 128 of the vehicle 12. As shownin FIG. 10, the first coupling module 92 is enclosed behind theheadliner 128 positioned aft of the rear header 16 b. Accordingly, thefirst coupling module 92 may be concealed behind the headliner 128within an enclosed cavity 130 formed between the headliner 128 and theinterior roof portion 126. The tethered accessory 120 may be enclosedwithin an over-molded shell 132 and suspended from the roof panel 10 viathe flexible harness 122, such that when positioned in close proximityto the corresponding location of the first coupling module 92 on theheadliner 128, the alignment magnets 124 magnetically couple the secondcoupling module 94 to the first coupling module 92. In thisconfiguration, the connection interface 30 may be aligned for wirelesselectrical coupling. Accordingly, in cases where the window controlmodule 42 is incorporated in the vehicle 12, the vehicle can effectivelycommunicate electrical signals to the electro-optic element 40 in thewindow panel of the roof panel 10. In other implementations, where thewindow control module 42 is incorporated in the roof panel 10,electrical power from the vehicle 12 can be communicated to windowcontrol module to control the electro-optic element 40.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-13, an implementation of the connectioninterface 30 is shown demonstrating the second coupling module 94incorporated in a lever arm 140 of the compression lever 50 a aspreviously discussed in reference to FIG. 2. As demonstrated, the firstcoupling module 92 may be in connection with an interior surface 142 ofone of the headers 16 a or 16 b, such that the first coupling module 92is directed outward from the header 16 a or 16 b and aligned with thesecond coupling module 94 in response to the compression lever 50 aoriented in a closed or latched position 144. Accordingly, the secondcoupling module 94 may be incorporated in a distal portion 146 of thelever arm 140 and may be secured to a side or surface 148 of the leverarm 140 that is directed to or faces the interior surface 142 of thevehicle when the lever arm 140 is positioned in the latched position144.

As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the latching engagement of the compressionlever 50 a in combination with the positioning provided by the remaininglocating features 50 may provide for the roof panel 10 to beconsistently aligned within the opening 14 between the front header 16 aand the rear header 16 b of the vehicle 12. The distal portion 146 ofthe lever arm 140 is consistently positioned within the vehicle in thelatched position 144, such that the position of the second couplingmodule 94 relative to the first coupling module 92 may result inherentlyfrom the closure of the lever arm 94 in the latched position 144.Accordingly, orientation of the coupling modules 92, 94 forming thewireless connection interface 30 is provided based on the relationshipof the distal portion 146 of the lever arm 140 relative to the header 16a, 16 b or similarly the interior roof portion 126 or headliner 128,such that the wireless coupling between the coupling modules 92, 94 isachieved.

As depicted in the cross-sectional view of the compression lever 50 ademonstrated in FIG. 13, a hook or latch 150 of the compression lever 50a may draw the roof panel 10 into a secure and compressed positionagainst one or more seals formed on the headers 16 a, 16 b of thevehicle by applying tension to a draw bar 152 that is secured to theheader 16 a, 16 b or various other structural aspects of the body of thevehicle 12. Accordingly, as demonstrated in the various implementationsof the wireless connection interface 30, the modular roof assembly 20provided by the disclosure may be implemented in a variety of ways toachieve the wireless electrical coupling of the modular roof assembly20, such that the window control module 42 can consistently wirelesslycontrol the electro-optic element 40 of the window panel 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A-14B, block diagrams are shown representingexemplary circuits providing the wireless electrical coupling betweenthe first coupling module 92 and the second coupling module 94. Thefirst coupling module 92 is represented by the circuit demonstrated inFIG. 14A. The first coupling module 92 may correspond to a transmissionmodule 160 configured to transmit power and control signals to thesecond coupling module 94, which may be implemented as a receiver module162. In operation, control signals from the window control module 42 ofthe vehicle 12 may be communicated via a communication bus 164.Additionally, the transmission module 160 may receive power from thevehicle via a vehicle power supply 166. The power supply 166 from thevehicle may range from approximately 9-16 volts and may be supplied toinput protection circuitry 168. The input protection circuitry 168 mayprevent surges associated with the power supply 166 from damaging thecircuitry of the transmission module 160. The input protection circuitry168 may supply a conditioned and protected voltage to a power converter170 that regulates the voltage from the power supply 166 to a stabilizedvoltage level (e.g., 20-30 volts). The power from the power converter170 may be supplied to a wireless power transmitter module 172, whichmay be implemented by various wireless power transmission standards(e.g., Qi, PMA, etc.).

In operation, the control instructions from the window control module 42may be communicated via the communication bus 164 to a processor 174.The processor 174 may receive and interpret the control instructionsfrom the communication bus 164 and supply wireless control instructionsto the wireless power transmitter module 172. The transmitter module 172may then output the control instructions to a transmission coil 176 and,in turn, wireless communication may be output from the transmission coil176 and received by a receiver coil 178 of the receiver module 162.

The receiver module 162 may conduct the control instructions detected bythe receiver coil 178 to a wireless power receiver module 180. Thewireless power receiver module 180 may similarly be implemented byvarious wireless electrical coupling standards as discussed herein. Thereceived control instructions may then be supplied to a window controlprocessor 182 configured to control the operation of one or moreelectro-optic drive circuits 184 in communication with the electro-opticelement 40 or multiple electro-optic elements. In addition to thecontrol signals supplied from the processor 182, operating power foreach of the electro-optic drive circuits 184 may be supplied from thewireless power receiver module 180. In this way, the receiver module 162may receive power and control instructions from the transmission module160 via the wireless electrical coupling, such that the window controlmodule 42 disposed in the vehicle 12 or the removable top can controlthe electro-optic element 40 disposed in the window panel 22 of themodular roof assembly 20.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a window apparatus ofa vehicle comprises a removable panel that selectively encloses anexterior opening of the vehicle; a window comprising an electro-opticapparatus formed within the removable panel, wherein the electro-opticapparatus is configured to adjust a transmittance of the window; and awireless connection interface in connection with an interface surface ofthe removable panel, wherein the wireless connection interfacecommunicates power or electrical signals from the vehicle to theelectro-optic apparatus.

According to various aspects, the disclosure may implement one or moreof the following features or configurations in various combinations:

-   -   the interface surface is aligned with a header proximate to the        exterior opening of the vehicle in the assembled configuration;    -   the interface surface is disposed in a cavity between the        removable panel and a header of the vehicle in an assembled        configuration;    -   the wireless connection interface comprises a plurality of        connection modules that are aligned within the cavity in the        assembled configuration;    -   the connection modules comprise complementary inductive coils        configured to wirelessly transmit the power or electrical        signals between the connection modules;    -   an alignment of the connection modules electrically couple an        electrical supply of the vehicle to at least one terminal of the        electro-optic element in the assembled configuration of the        window panel in connection with the vehicle;    -   the connection modules comprise a first module and a second        module, wherein the first modules is in connection with a body        portion of the vehicle proximate to the header;    -   the second module is incorporated is in connection with the        interface surface of the removable panel;    -   the second module is incorporated in a tethered accessory        coupled to the removable panel via a flexible harness;    -   the connection modules comprise a second module disposed in the        tethered accessory is maintained in an aligned position relative        to the first module via a magnetic interface;    -   the wireless connection interface communicates electrical        control signals and power between a plurality of induction coils        or capacitive plates disposed in the connection modules;    -   the second module is incorporated in a lever arm of a latch        configured to retain the removable panel in connection with the        header of the vehicle;    -   the second module is positioned in close proximity first module        electrically coupling the wireless connection interface in        response to the lever arm in a latched position; and/or    -   the removable panel forms an exterior roof panel of the vehicle.

According some aspects of the disclosure, a method for controlling adimmable window element for a vehicle comprises installing a removablepanel in connection with and enclosing an exterior opening of thevehicle; positioning a first module of a connection interface disposedon the removable panel in alignment with a second module of theconnection interface disposed on proximate to a header portion of thevehicle based on the installation; and wirelessly communicating at leastone of a control signal and a power for the dimmable window via theconnection interface.

According to various aspects, the disclosure may implement one or moreof the following features, steps or configurations in variouscombinations:

-   -   the method further comprises aligning the first module of the        connection interface with the second module by magnetically        attracting the first module and the second module; and/or    -   the method further comprises suspending the first module from a        flexible harness, wherein the flexible harness provides for the        first module to move in close proximity with the second module        in response to the magnetic attraction.

According to some aspects of the disclosure, a window apparatus of avehicle comprises a removable panel that selectively encloses anexterior opening of the vehicle; a window comprising an electro-opticapparatus formed within the removable panel, wherein the electro-opticapparatus is configured to adjust a transmittance of the window; and awireless connection interface comprising a first connection module inconnection with an interface surface of the removable panel and a secondconnection module in connection with the vehicle proximate to a headerconfigured to receive the removable panel, wherein the connectioninterface is disposed in a cavity between the removable panel and aheader of the vehicle in an assembled configuration.

According to various aspects, the disclosure may implement one or moreof the following features or configurations in various combinations:

-   -   an alignment of the first connection module with the second        connection module electrically couples an electrical supply of        the vehicle to at least one terminal of the electro-optic        element in the assembled configuration of the window panel in        connection with the vehicle; and/or    -   the wireless connection interface communicates at least one of        electrical control signals and power between a plurality of        induction coils or capacitive plates disposed in the connection        modules It will be understood that any described processes or        steps within described processes may be combined with other        disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope        of the present device. The exemplary structures and processes        disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be        construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understoodthat such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claimsunless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodimentsonly. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the artand to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understoodthat the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above aremerely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope ofthe device, which is defined by the following claims as interpretedaccording to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine ofEquivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A window apparatus of a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a removable panel that selectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle, the removable panel comprising an electro-optic apparatus formed within the removable panel, wherein the electro-optic apparatus is configured to adjust in transmittance; and a wireless connection interface in connection with an interface surface of the removable panel, wherein the wireless connection interface communicates power or electrical signals from the vehicle to the electro-optic apparatus.
 2. The window apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interface surface is aligned with a header proximate to the exterior opening of the vehicle in the assembled configuration.
 3. The window apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interface surface is disposed in a cavity between the removable panel and a header of the vehicle in an assembled configuration.
 4. The window apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the wireless connection interface comprises a plurality of connection modules that are aligned within the cavity in the assembled configuration.
 5. The window apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the connection modules comprise complementary inductive coils configured to wirelessly transmit the power or electrical signals between the connection modules.
 6. The window apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an alignment of the connection modules electrically couple an electrical supply of the vehicle to at least one terminal of the electro-optic element in the assembled configuration of the removable panel in connection with the vehicle.
 7. The window apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the connection modules comprise a first module and a second module, wherein the first modules is in connection with a body portion of the vehicle proximate to the header.
 8. The window apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second module is incorporated is in connection with the interface surface of the removable panel.
 9. The window apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second module is incorporated in a tethered accessory coupled to the removable panel via a flexible harness.
 10. The window apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the connection modules comprise a second module disposed in the tethered accessory is maintained in an aligned position relative to the first module via a magnetic interface.
 11. The window apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the wireless connection interface communicates electrical control signals and power between a plurality of induction coils or capacitive plates disposed in the connection modules.
 12. The window apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second module is incorporated in a lever arm of a latch configured to retain the removable panel in connection with the header of the vehicle.
 13. The window apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the second module is positioned in close proximity to the first module electrically coupling the wireless connection interface in response to the lever arm in a latched position.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable panel forms an exterior roof panel of the vehicle.
 15. A method for controlling a dimmable window element for a vehicle, the method comprising: installing a removable panel in connection with and enclosing an exterior opening of the vehicle; positioning a first module of a connection interface disposed on the removable panel in alignment with a second module of the connection interface disposed proximate to a header portion of the vehicle based on the installation; and wirelessly communicating at least one of a control signal and power for the dimmable window via the connection interface.
 16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: aligning the first module of the connection interface with the second module by magnetically attracting the first module and the second module.
 17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: suspending the first module from a flexible harness, wherein the flexible harness provides for the first module to move in close proximity with the second module in response to the magnetic attraction.
 18. A window apparatus of a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a removable panel that selectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle; a window comprising an electro-optic apparatus formed within the removable panel, wherein the electro-optic apparatus is configured to adjust a transmittance of the window; and a wireless connection interface comprising a first connection module in connection with an interface surface of the removable panel and a second connection module in connection with the vehicle proximate to a header configured to receive the removable panel, wherein the connection interface is disposed in a cavity between the removable panel and a header of the vehicle in an assembled configuration.
 19. The window apparatus, according to claim 18 wherein an alignment of the first connection module with the second connection module electrically couples an electrical supply of the vehicle to at least one terminal of the electro-optic element in the assembled configuration of the removable panel in connection with the vehicle.
 20. The window apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the wireless connection interface communicates at least one of electrical control signals and power between a plurality of induction coils or capacitive plates disposed in the connection modules. 